Education
Qualifications
About this topic
Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.
Interpretation notes
- This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
- It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Sutherland Shire (A), accounting for 32.1% (60,297 people). This share was lower than Greater Sydney (34.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which increased by 11,202 people and 4.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Sutherland Shire (A) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Sutherland Shire (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Sutherland Shire (A), with comparison markers for Greater Sydney.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
52,773
% of total
28.1%
Change from 2016
+4.6pp
52,773
28.1%
+4.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
22,290
% of total
11.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
22,290
11.9%
+0.2pp
Vocational
2021 count
40,759
% of total
21.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
40,759
21.7%
-0.3pp
No Qualification
2021 count
60,297
% of total
32.1%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
60,297
32.1%
-2.8pp
Not Stated
2021 count
11,557
% of total
6.2%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
11,557
6.2%
-1.7pp
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+11,202
+4.6pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+1,658
+0.2pp
Vocational
+1,880
-0.3pp
No Qualification
-1,491
-2.8pp
Not Stated
-2,387
-1.7pp
Data table
Qualifications for Sutherland Shire (A). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | % | Greater Sydney% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 52,773 | 28.1% | 33.3% | 41,571 | 23.5% | 28.3% | +11,202 | +4.6pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 22,290 | 11.9% | 9.7% | 20,632 | 11.7% | 9.3% | +1,658 | +0.2pp |
| Vocational | 40,759 | 21.7% | 14.8% | 38,879 | 22.0% | 15.1% | +1,880 | -0.3pp |
| No Qualification | 60,297 | 32.1% | 34.2% | 61,788 | 34.9% | 37.7% | -1,491 | -2.8pp |
| Not Stated | 11,557 | 6.2% | 8.0% | 13,944 | 7.9% | 9.6% | -2,387 | -1.7pp |
| Total | 187,676 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 176,814 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +10,862 | 0.0pp |